Message from CEO & President Michelle Lavallee

As I reflect on the topics for this edition of Govern for Good, I am struck by the external validation of excellence for the work our team members do each and every day. We know our efforts are exemplary but somehow, when they are recognized by others from outside our agency, it’s extra special! So, this is a shout-out to:

• Tina Graber was named the 2025 Wendy’s Wonderful Kids (WWK) Recruiter of the Year. There are over 600 recruiters in the US for WWK. Tina is THE best in the nation!
• Our Marketing team captured three awards at the American Advertising Federation-South Dakota ADDY awards and is on to regionals! They chose to compete against big-budget creative service agencies rather than against other in-house marketing departments—a much higher hurdle!
• Theresa Schreiner and Abby Sharp are the first internal team members to win the coveted “Partners Protecting Kids” award. This award typically goes to someone outside of our organization. If you know Theresa and Abby, you know their incredible hard work has earned them this honor.
• KELOLAND recognizes our agency through its Tradition of Caring grant. I hope you have seen the first of three television spots focusing on the CHS brand. We are receiving lots of comments, especially from our West River friends.

Please join me in congratulating these outstanding CHS team members!